UDF wrests power in Kalamassery, Kalpetta municipalities

Kochi: Jessy Peter and Bindu Jose of United Democratic Front (UDF) were on Thursday elected chairpersons of Kalamassery and Kalpetta municipalities respectively.

Three independents and a woman LDF rebel voted for Jessy. Of the total 42 seats, the UDF got 27 votes including four seats of the Muslim League.

Following group squabbles, elections could not be held yesterday in Kalamassery. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had intervened to solve the issue.

In Kalpetta, JD-U’s Bindu Jose gained 16 votes. As per their agreement, JD-U will hold the post for one year and remaining four years will be shared by the Congress and the IUML.

Election to the Kalpetta municipality was postponed to Thursday owing to the lack of adequate quorum after the UDF candidates kept themselves away from the scene.